Slowly Turning Into A Planner Fan(atic)

by Michelle Monkou

My 2017 Planner

I've always jumped on a planner bandwagon from the time that Franklin Planners were the big trend. The computer programmers soon developed calendars with similar bells and whistles along with the phone technology. Every wave tries to outdo the previous wave.

And for the last few years, the physical planners have been back in vogue. I understand that the planners have never left earth, but the percentage of use is up. If you perform a hashtag search on social media, the wide breath of planner enthusiasts is monumental with brick and mortar stores, digital stores, conventions, and planning circles feeding the frenzy.

My tendency always has been to jump in like a high-intensity cheerleader with good intentions. But a month or two later, that planner gets buried under clothes or other books never to be used again. All the to do lists, the appointments, the travel plans, the goals stay in my head to rattle around with the other gazillion thoughts.

What takes you from the amateur planner to the highly functioning planner-- Goals and Desperation.

My Weekly Planner

I've always had goals. I've always wanted to achieve something, gain something, earn or win something. So the lack of goals was never a problem. But this time, this year, I had goals AND a timeline. And that timeline had milestone marks that had to show movement in the right direction.

Next step is goals AND a timeline AND desperation. Desperation isn't a do or die mindset. I use the word as my own form of giving a kick in the pants to stay hungry, stay focused, stay consistent. Most times the reason that I'm no longer using a planner is that I've removed myself from the game or I've decided/convinced myself that the game isn't for me or unattainable.

But what I do know for sure is that those who are successful (and you can have your own model for success) have not become so through random acts. They may not be obsessive about planning and getting results in a timely manner, but they aren't inconsistent about work ethic and about fighting through the ups and downs. There is a plan, a method, a strategy that is built by them to attain a goal or two.

My Writing Journals

And I know what doesn't work. I know it has failure written all over it. Why? My way hasn't worked. For several years it hasn't worked. So why continue on the same track doing the same thing, but expecting different or better results. Isn't that the definition of stupid?

This year, I've got my planning tools. And I'm using them. Two months I slipped off and the old habits almost did me in. But when you're surrounded by planner enthusiasts, they will help get you back on track.

I'm moving forward and that's what matters at this point.

Cheers,


Michelle

A Writing Retreat: Just What The Soul Needed

This weekend I joined over 20 writers in retreat heaven for our creative souls. The idea came about in 2015 when we collectively needed a safe space to talk about careers, our dreams, and enjoy a true community of sisterhood.

Our first retreat came into fruition in January 2016. After months of planning and lots of discussions, we arrived in Destin with no idea of what we would accomplish or if this would be a success. After all, we hadn't defined what would be a successful retreat.

The bonding among us occurred naturally and quickly. Laughter ruled the entire weekend with the wacky senses of humor, the funny quips, and shared experiences over this tumultuous writing journey.

Although the event lasted two and half days, the time was well spent getting us to a place where we could take what we'd learned, along with our own inspiration from the weekend, to conquer our next goals.

Another year has gone by, some writers couldn't make this trip. Some of us lost a parent or relative. Some have changed careers in the day job. Others have faced challenges in the writing world, while others have seen success.

Yet we've come to the same house in Destin (this year is slightly cooler) for that home-grown, feel-good tonic of camaraderie and friendship. I highly recommend gathering your circle, selecting the perfect place, and having the time of your life.

A house on the beach serves us well with rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

All the best,



Michelle Monkou
http://michellemonkou.com

Coming February 2017